Somalia steps up efforts to repatriate migrants from Libya

Somalia has intensified its collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to rescue and return its citizens who have been stranded in Libya.

These efforts focus on addressing the challenges faced by Somali migrants who have been caught in human trafficking networks while attempting to transit through Libya to reach Europe.

On Wednesday, 147 Somali migrants were successfully repatriated. Of these, 31 landed in Hargeisa, while the remaining 116 continued to Mogadishu. The operation was part of the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, which assists migrants stranded in foreign countries who wish to return home voluntarily.

At Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, the returnees were received by Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and EU Ambassador to Somalia Karin Johansson. Both officials emphasised the importance of the programme in helping Somali migrants regain their safety and reintegrate into their communities.

Foreign Minister Ahmed stated that the initiative reflects the government's commitment to assisting Somalis in need of support. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring that those who return receive assistance to rebuild their lives.

"This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all Somalis in need of return support," Ahmed said.

The Wednesday repatriation flight was the third conducted within the last two months under the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA). This programme is funded by the EU and implemented by the IOM. Since its inception, the initiative has facilitated the return of 844 Somali migrants from Libya.

The returnees receive a range of support services upon arrival. Immediate assistance includes cash grants, temporary accommodation, and medical care. The programme also provides longer-term support, such as financial assistance and skills training, to help the migrants reintegrate into their home communities and start afresh.

EU Ambassador Karin Johansson expressed satisfaction with the progress of the programme. She noted that the collaboration between Somalia, the EU, and the IOM has been instrumental in ensuring the safe return of Somali migrants who face dire conditions in Libya. Johansson reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting programmes that prioritise the safety and dignity of migrants.

Libya has become a significant transit point for migrants from Africa who are attempting to reach Europe. However, many migrants find themselves trapped in Libya due to the activities of human trafficking networks.

According to the IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix, over 1,300 Somali migrants are currently stranded in Libya. Many are held in detention centres or live in unsafe conditions.

Human traffickers, known locally as "Magafe," play a significant role in exploiting migrants. Reports indicate that traffickers often subject migrants to physical abuse, extortion, and deprivation of necessities such as food and water.

One of the returnees, Abdirahman Ali Sheikh, shared his experiences after arriving in Mogadishu. He described his time in Libya as a harrowing experience and expressed regret for leaving Somalia.

He urged others to reconsider risking their lives by travelling through dangerous migration routes.

"I regret ever leaving Somalia. What I endured in Libya was unimaginable. Now I realise there's no better place than home," he said.

The Somali government has pledged to continue its partnership with the EU and the IOM to rescue more citizens from Libya and other high-risk areas. Officials also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of migration by creating opportunities at home and improving living conditions for Somali citizens